Busy Boxes for Toddlers

Whether traveling or just trying to enjoy a nice dinner out, busy boxes for your toddlers are the best way to keep your little one occupied without having to whip out a tablet.

What is a busy box?

Basically it’s exactly what it sounds like. A box (or bag) to keep your little one busy. The box is filled with little toys or activities to hold your little one’s attention. Since we used our busy boxes for a road trip last time, I put a snack in each one as well.

When would I need to use a busy box with my child?

ANYTIME! Anytime you need to keep you’re little one busy- when you’re working from home, out to dinner, at someone’s home who may not have children or toys, road trips, while flying, or maybe you’re just trying to get things done around the house and you need something to hold your child’s attention.

How much will this cost me?

I managed to keep each busy box at five dollars or less. If you have small containers laying round, I bet you could create some with stuff you have already lying around in your house. Get creative!

Let’s get started.

It’s simple, and honestly it’s so fun too! I start off at my local Dollar Tree. More often then not, I am able to make a few with item I find just from there. The next best place to check out is the dollar spot at Target or Five Below. I have also found some cheap items at Michael’s and Hobby Lobby.

I start off with a standard hard pencil case. You could use a zippered pouch or even a gallon sized ziplock bag but I prefer the hard pencil case because they often serve as a play “area” for what is inside. Plus they stack together nicely, which makes storing them easier.

Choose a theme.

Last time we traveled I chose three different themes – play, art, and building. I wanted three very different boxes, but I wanted each one to allow for creativity and imaginative play.

Play.

For play we went with a car theme. Dollar tree always has a great selection of toy cars. I picked up a multipack of cars, another small toy set that included little figures, street signs, and traffic cones. I found some hot wheels stickers in the dollar bin at target and added those mainly because I’m a sucker for a theme.

If your little one is into dolls, Dollar Tree sells small dolls, doll clothes and doll house pieces that fit perfectly inside the pencil case. They also often sell small toy figures from popular shows and movies, and even little animals. The ideas for busy boxes for your toddlers are endless!

Art.

Our art busy box was pretty basic, being that it was for a three year old at the time. I grabbed some colored pencils from Target, Toy Story stickers from Michael’s, and some colorful post it notes. I love the post it notes for road trips. Your little one can color on them and stick them to the car window. Their imagination always comes into play here, in the past our post it notes have become “tickets” for imaginary train rides or rock concerts, they have become note pads for our son to “take our order” at his pretend restaurant, and so many other fun things.

Building.

This busy box has easily become our oldest’s favorite. Dollar tree sells mini building blocks (aka: off brand legos) and building block tape. On the inside, bottom of the pencil case, I laid down the tape to make a surface for building. Then I just added a few little package of the blocks and called it a day. I put the least amount of thought into this box, and of course it ended up being the favorite. So much so that it now almost always accompanies us out to dinner, and is requested more than the tablet.

Before I had children, I always said, “my children will never use an iPad at a restaurant.” Then I became a mom and I ate my words. (Never say never!) I have nothing against children using iPads, my oldest uses on quite often, but at the end of the day I want his brain to be enriched. I want less screen time, more imagination. These toddler busy boxes have provided hours of fun. They only come out on special occasions this was they never lose their luster.

Im excited to make more busy boxes now that my youngest, Callan, is getting older, sitting longer and really learning how to play.

Have you made any busy boxes for your toddlers? I’d love to hear what you put in yours. Feel free to leave your busy box details in the comments, I am always looking fun and exciting ideas!